Even the recently concluded NBA All-Star Week didn’t garner as much attention as LeBron James confronting NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith. When King James is on fire, the NBA world pauses to watch—then buzzes about it for days. Something similar is happening with the James-Smith incident.
The NBA community just can’t stop talking, with analysts, former players, and fans all weighing in. LeBron confronted the renowned analyst over his criticism of Bronny James, telling him to stop. Smith later went on record, saying he understood LeBron’s frustration and that, as a father, his protectiveness was justified—but he was simply doing his job and meant nothing personal.
It might have seemed like the issue was settled, but the storm hasn’t died. Fresh rumors are sweeping the NBA world, suggesting that LeBron had attempted to reach out to Smith before their public altercation, but the analyst denied it.
LeBron James Gains Another Backer in His Confrontation with ESPN Analyst
The now famous James-Smith confrontation happened on March 6 during the Los Angeles Lakers game against the New York Knicks. Just as James was torching his opponent on the court, he confronted the 57-year-old analyst off it.
The exchange sent the NBA community into a frenzy. Many sided with LeBron, arguing that no one has the right to criticize family. Others, including former NBA player DeMarcus Cousins, pointed out what they saw as a double standard in how the media portrays James.
Whether right or wrong, another NBA veteran has now weighed in, supporting LeBron amid the rumors that the four-time NBA champion tried to contact Smith privately but received no response. We all know what happened next – a public, slam-dunk verbal showdown.
Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway Sr. shared his thoughts on the situation on a Run It Back episode. While he agreed with LeBron, he believed the Lakers’ star should have handled it privately rather than in front of the cameras.
“LeBron has the right to confront you, whenever he wants to. I do the same thing.” – Tim Hardaway Sr.
“Allegedly, LeBron tried to reach out privately, but Stephen A. Smith didn’t.” – @MichelleDBeadle
“You know what we call that, Beadle? That’s called standing on business.” -… pic.twitter.com/tT5ru8lTRD
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) March 10, 2025
“LeBron has the right to come and confront you whenever he wants. I’d do the same thing—I’d just do it behind closed doors,” Hardaway said. “I’d say, ‘Look, come here, man. Let me talk to you for a second.’ I’d go there, talk to you, and present something in your ear. I’m not going to do it in front of everybody. I want you to understand my point, but I’d do it in private.”
Hardaway also pointed out that it was likely a spur-of-the-moment decision. LeBron didn’t go out of his way to find Smith—the opportunity presented itself, and he seized it.
“LeBron did it in a situation where he didn’t want to see Stephen A. Smith. But when the moment presented itself, he took it. He didn’t care if it was in front of 20,000 people—he felt he had to handle it right then and there. If it were me, I would’ve told him to meet me in a room after the game, have some choice words, and then leave.”
LeBron Allegedly Tried To Contact Stephen A. Smith
Michelle Beadle added, “Allegedly, LeBron tried to reach out privately, but Stephen A. Smith did not do that… So he was there, here’s the moment, we’re doing it.” It may be just a rumor from Beadle, but it would be pretty interesting if it turned out to be true that Smith ignored James.
Bronny’s NBA selection was a hot topic in basketball, with many believing his father’s influence played a role in his selection. Analysts, including Smith, have been critical. But right now, LeBron has more significant concerns—his groin injury. The 40-year-old Lakers star, the most potent weapon in the team’s arsenal, is sidelined, which seriously blows their championship hopes.
For now, James’ health is a more significant issue than his off-court clashes. Lakers fans will undoubtedly be hoping and praying for his return to full strength, as the face of the NBA for the past two decades aims to make yet another comeback.